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Get your free copy08 November 2010, 16:49 PM
- Her Majesty has visited an Essex-based jam maker to celebrate a 125 year birthday celebration
Staff from the offices crammed the steps to watch the arrival of the royal visitor who was welcomed by Lord Petre, Lord Lieutenant of Essex.
The Queen was introduced to Cllr Sonia Lewis the Mayor of Colchester, Ms Priti Patel MP and Mr Peter Wilkin, the chairman of Wilkin & Son and great grandson of the founder.
Following the presentation of the directors, Walter Scott, joint managing director, escorted the Queen on a tour of the factory and presented some of the staff who live in the village.
The Queen saw Margaret Griffith demonstrating the art of hand finishing Tiptree Christmas Puddings and Desina Morrell hand preparing Tiptree fruit for Mulberry Conserve. While, Robert Parker, factory manager, explained the jam boiling process which is still performed in the tradtional time-honoured way.
“We were keen to involve as many staff from all parts of the company as possible on this special visit from Her Majesty,” said Peter Wilkin, chairman. “125 years of jam making is a remarkable achievement but we can’t stand still and we are now looking forward to 2030 as the business develops.”
The Queen was invited to sign the visitors’ book before unveiling a beautiful Welsh slate engraved plaque marking her visit and 125 years of jam making.
A unique gift, a tiny gold and silver Little Scarlet strawberry, was presented by Peter Wilkin.
